David Wood British actor

Aubrey Woods dead at 85: British actor was best-known for his role in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’

September 13, 2012  08:00 am

The London-born Woods broke into the business as a teen in 1947’s “The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” seven years before winning a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Though he trod the boards to some acclaim in London’s West End — the British equivalent of Broadway — the lanky Woods landed his signature role in “Willy Wonka” and was asked to reprise his sweetshop owner’s song, “The Candyman, ” by fans through his final days, Britain’s The Guardian reported.

“Dr. Who” fans, however, may know him best from his turn as The Controller in 1972 Doctor Who episode “Day of the Daleks.”

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